Leukotriene B4 induced hyperadhesiveness of endothelial cells for neutrophils

Understanding Local Reactions Induced by Bothrops jararaca Venom: The Role of Inflammatory Mediators in Leukocyte-Endothelium Interactions

In recent years, extensive research has delved into the pathophysiology of local reactions triggered by Bothrops snake venoms. Even though antivenom works well at reducing death and systemic effects, it is still not very effective in treating local reactions because it cannot counteract damage that has already been triggered. This limitation might be attributed to certain molecules that amplify the venom-induced innate response. While evidence suggests endogenous mediators at the venom site play a role in this envenomation, in Brazil, the concurrent use of anti-inflammatory agents or other drugs alongside antivenom remains uncommon. This study evaluated the pharmacological mediation of alterations in leukocyte-endothelium interactions following the experimental envenomation of mice with Bothrops jararaca venom, the main culprit of snake-related accidents in Southeast Brazil. We treated envenomed mice with inhibitors of different pharmacological pathways and observed the cremaster muscle microcirculation with intravital microscopy. We found that eicosanoids related to cyclooxygenase pathways and nitric oxide significantly contributed to B. jararaca venom-induced alterations in leukocyte-endothelium interactions. Conversely, lipoxygenase-mediated eicosanoids, histamine, and serotonin had minimal participation. Notably, dexamethasone and antivenom treatment diminished B. jararaca venom-induced alterations in leukocyte-endothelium interactions. The limited efficacy of the antivenom in managing Bothrops venom-induced local reactions emphasizes the critical need for supplementary treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Role of oxylipins generated from dietary PUFAs in the modulation of endothelial cell function

Oxylipins, which are circulating bioactive lipids generated from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by cyclooxygenase, lipooxygenase and cytochrome P450 enzymes, have diverse effects on endothelial cells. Although studies of the effects of oxylipins on endothelial cell function are accumulating, a review that provides a comprehensive compilation of current knowledge and recent advances in the context of vascular homeostasis is lacking. This is the first compilation of the various in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo reports to examine the effects and potential mechanisms of action of oxylipins on endothelial cells. The aggregate data indicate docosahexaenoic acid-derived oxylipins consistently show beneficial effects related to key endothelial cell functions, whereas oxylipins derived from other PUFAs exhibit both positive and negative effects. Furthermore, information is lacking for certain oxylipin classes, such as those derived from α-linolenic acid, which suggests additional studies are required to achieve a full understanding of how oxylipins affect endothelial cells.

Melatonin inhibits granulocyte adhesion to ICAM via MT3/QR2 and MT2 receptors

Neutrophils are cells of the innate immune system that first respond and arrive to the site of infection. Melatonin modulates acute inflammatory responses by interfering with leukocyte recruitment. It is known that melatonin modulates granulocyte migration though the endothelial layer thereby acting on the endothelial cell. Here we investigated whether melatonin could modulate granulocyte infiltration by acting directly on granulocytes. Granulocyte infiltration into the peritoneal cavity was investigated in mice kept at normal light/dark conditions and mice kept under constant lighting. To induce migration of neutrophils from the blood into the injury site via the endothelial layer, a bacterial product N-formyl-l-methionyl- l-leucyl- l-phenylalanine (fMLP) was injected into the peritoneal cavity. We found that the number of infiltrated granulocytes during the dark time was lower than that during the light time. It did not depend on circadian time. Moreover, the expression of an adhesion molecule, CD18, on granulocytes, was also lower during the dark time as compared with the light time. We have found that melatonin inhibited fMLP-induced CD18 up-regulation. Importantly, melatonin also inhibited the integrin-mediated granulocyte adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-coated plates. This study additionally showed that melatonin receptors MT2 and MT3/quinone reductase 2 (QR2) are expressed on granulocytes. Interestingly, melatonin increases the expression of its MT3/QR2 receptor. The fMLP-mediated CD18 up-regulation was inhibited by melatonin via MT2 receptor and the integrin-mediated granulocyte adhesion was inhibited by melatonin via MT3/QR2 and MT2 receptors. In conclusion, we show that melatonin suppresses granulocyte migration via endothelium by acting directly on granulocytes.

Commonly used leukotriene B4 receptor antagonists possess intrinsic activity as agonists in human endothelial cells: Effects on calcium transients, adhesive events and mediator release

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a potent chemotactic and immune-modulating lipid mediator, signals via two receptors, BLT1 and BLT2, leading to pro-inflammatory responses in phagocytes. Recently, we reported that BLT1 is the predominating BLT on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and transmits a variety of functional responses. Here, we demonstrate that, in HUVEC, two BLT1 antagonists (U75302, CP105696) and one BLT2 antagonist (LY255283) possess intrinsic but varying agonist activity for adhesion of neutrophils, up-regulation of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and release of MCP-1. These effects were observed after exposure of HUVEC for the drugs for 0.25-6h, persisted for several hours, and were less potent in magnitude as those elicited by LPS. Our findings may have consequences for interpretation of in vitro BLT blockade experiments.

Melatonin effect on endothelial cells reduces vascular permeability increase induced by leukotriene B4

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on the inflammatory increase in vascular permeability. Vascular permeability was stimulated by a nonspecific pro-inflammatory agent (carrageenan), by drugs that disrupt endothelial cells junction (histamine, serotonin or bradykinin) or drugs that promote neutrophil recruitment (leukotriene B4 or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine fMLP). Vascular permeability was measured by Evan's blue dye extravasation after simultaneous injection of melatonin and the pro-inflammatory drugs in rat dorsal skin. Melatonin only reduced the increase in vascular permeability induced by leukotriene B4, which activates both neutrophil and endothelial cells. The neutrophil expression of CD18 induced by leukotriene B4 or fMLP was not changed by melatonin. On the other hand, melatonin inhibited the leukotriene B4-induced endothelial cells hyperadhesiveness. Our findings suggest that vascular permeability reduction induced by local melatonin injection is mediated by a reduction of endothelial cells ability to interact with neutrophils.

Leukotriene receptors in atherosclerosis

Leukotriene-forming enzymes are expressed within atherosclerotic lesions and locally produced leukotrienes exert pro-inflammatory actions within the vascular wall by means of cell surface receptors of the BLT and CysLT receptor subtypes. The migration and accumulation of inflammatory cells that follow leukotriene receptor activation have been implicated in atherosclerosis initiation and progression. Leukotriene receptors are in addition expressed on endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, associated with intimal hyperplasia in early atherosclerosis and restenotic lesions after angioplasty. Taken together, recent evidence suggests that leukotriene receptors may be a potential target in the treatment of atherosclerosis and in the prevention of restenosis after coronary interventions.

Inflammatory events induced by Lys-49 and Asp-49 phospholipases A2 isolated from Bothrops asper snake venom: role of catalytic activity

The inflammatory events induced in the peritoneal cavity of mice by two PLA2s isolated from Bothrops asper snake venom were investigated. MT-III, an Asp-49 catalytically active enzyme and MT-II, a catalytically inactive Lys-49 variant induced increase in vascular permeability. Inhibition of enzymatic activity of MT-III with p-bromophenacyl bromide reduced this effect. MT-III induced a larger neutrophil infiltrate than MT-II. This activity was significantly reduced after inhibition of catalytic activity. Reduction in the number of neutrophils was observed when antibodies against L-selectin, CD18 or LFA-1 were used, suggesting the involvement of these adhesion molecules in the effects of both PLA2s. There was no effect with antibodies against ICAM-1 and PECAM-1. Increase in the levels of LTB4 and TXA2, as well as of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, were observed in the peritoneal exudates induced by MT-III. MT-II did not enhance levels of eicosanoids but increased those of cytokines. It is concluded that both PLA2s induce inflammatory events in this model. Since MT-III exerts a stronger proinflammatory effect, the enzymatic phospholipid hydrolysis may be relevant for these phenomena. However, the fact that MT-II induced inflammation suggests that molecular regions distinct from the catalytic site elicit inflammatory events perhaps by interacting with specific cell membrane acceptors.

Bothrops lanceolatus (Fer de lance) venom stimulates leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity of mice

The ability of Bothrops lanceolatus venom to induce neutrophil migration into the peritoneal cavity of mice was investigated. Intraperitoneal injection of venom caused dose- and time-dependent neutrophil migration, which peaked with 750 ng of venom/cavity 4h after venom injection. The neutrophil migration was significantly reduced by pretreatment with dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.), an indirect inhibitor of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), and AA861 (0.01 mg/kg, s.c.), a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, but in contrast, was not modified by pretreatment with indomethacin (2 mg/kg, s.c.), an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway, meloxicam (5 mg/kg, s.c.), an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway, or the PAF inhibitor WEB2086 (40 mg/kg, s.c.). Dexamethasone and AA861 also inhibited the neutrophil migration by 60% when administered immediately after venom injection, and the coadministration of these two drugs caused a 75% reduction in migration. BLV-induced neutrophil migration was not due to contamination by endotoxin since polymyxin B-treated venom retained its activity. Heating the venom (97 degrees C, 2 min) reduced the PLA(2) activity by 64% and this was accompanied by a corresponding reduction (68%) in neutrophil migration. These results suggest that arachidonate-derived lipoxygenase metabolites (possibly leukotriene B(4)) are involved in the chemotaxis observed. Macrophages may be an important source of these metabolites since the migratory response to venom was potentiated in mice pretreated with thioglycollate, but reduced when the peritoneal cavity was washed with sterile saline.

Eicosanoids in sickle cell disease: potential relevance of neutrophil leukotriene B4 to disease pathophysiology

Neutrophil activation with the release of intracellular granule contents has been observed in sickle cell disease (SCD). Because leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), a 5-lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid in neutrophils, is a chemoattractant and enhances neutrophil adhesion to endothelium, we assessed plasma levels of this metabolite in controls (n = 9) and individuals with SCD, SS genotype, both in basal "steady state" (n = 37) and during episodes of vaso-occlusion (n = 10) and acute chest syndrome (n = 5). Thirteen patients with SCD, SC genotype, in steady state were also studied. Although no significant differences were noted between the control (136 +/- 32 fmol/mL) and SC genotype (177 +/- 83 fmol/mL, P >.15), LTB(4) levels were markedly increased in patients with SS genotype in basal steady state (207 +/- 64 fmol/mL, P <.003) compared with those in controls. Values were further increased during vaso-occlusion (264 +/- 94 fmol/mL) and acute chest syndrome (363 +/- 124 fmol/mL). These levels were significantly different from measurements taken during steady state (P <.04 and P <.0001, respectively). No correlation was noted between LTB(4) level and total white cell or neutrophil count. Additionally, the significant correlation noted in SCD between increased levels of plasma LTB(4) and soluble L-selectin (P <.03) reflects neutrophil activation. We also observed an effect of LTB(4) on red cell-endothelial adhesion at concentrations that appear clinically relevant (1-10 pmol/mL) with concomitant up-regulation of mRNA for the endothelial vitronectin receptor. These properties of LTB(4) are relevant to disease pathophysiology, providing further evidence of the contribution of the neutrophil to the proinflammatory and proadhesive phenotype in SCD.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) ligand WY 14,643 does not interfere with leukotriene B4 induced adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) control discrete genes involved in fatty acid and lipid metabolism. Recently, it was suggested that activation of the alpha isoform of PPAR by the potent proinflammatory mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) enhanced degradation of this eicosanoid, offersuggesting a new aspect of down-regulation of inflammation. Here, we studied whether PPARalpha activation (by means of the selective agonist WY 14,643) of endothelial cells, pivotal in the regulation of inflammatory responses, interfered with LTB4 induced adhesion of PMN neutrophil granulocytes in vitro. When endothelial cells were treated with WY 14,643 prior to activation with LTB4 (or fMLP, IL-1beta or TNFalpha, as controls) we could not document any effect on the number of adhering PMN or duration of the response. Thus, this study provides no evidence indicating a regulatory function of PPARalpha in LTB4 induced adhesive interactions between endothelial cells and neutrophils.

Leukocyte response induced by Bothrops jararaca crude venom: in vivo and in vitro studies

The effect of Bothrops jararaca crude venom (BjV) on the cellular component of inflammatory responses was investigated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo leukocyte accumulation and release of eicosanoids (thromboxane A2, TXA2, and leukotriene B4, LTB4) at the site of injection of the venom were assessed using the air pouch method in rats. Administration of BjV caused a significant cell accumulation, maximal values being obtained after 6-8 hr. Neutrophils were the predominant cell type in the inflammatory exudate. High concentrations of LTB4 were detected 1-4 hr after the injection of the venom. TXA2 concentrations were significantly increased only at the early stages of the response to the venom. In vitro chemotaxis assays were performed and showed that the venom per se was not able to induce oriented neutrophil migration because varying concentrations of the venom dissolved in Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS) evoked a response equivalent to that of HBSS alone. Furthermore, the venom did not affect cellular intrinsic mechanisms involved with neutrophil locomotion because previous incubation of the cells with BjV produced no effect. However, high concentrations of the venom were able to generate serum chemotactic factor(s). Incubation of serum with the venom evoked a neutrophil migration similar to that observed with serum activated by lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli. Participation of chemotactic factors derived from the complement system is suggested by data showing loss of this activity when serum was heated (56 degrees C) before the addition of BjV. The present results suggest that leukocyte accumulation in the locality of a lesion induced by BjV is dependent on secretion or activation of endogenous components responsible for several steps in leukocyte recruitment instead of a direct effect of the venom on leukocytes.

Neutrophils obtained from obliterative atherosclerotic patients exhibit enhanced resting respiratory burst and increased degranulation in response to various stimuli

Tissue destruction in atherosclerosis is partly due to uncontrolled protease and oxygen radical release. In this study we investigated the release of elastase and myeloperoxidase, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) obtained from patients with obliterative atherosclerotic of the lower legs. In addition we measured the plasma concentration of xanthine oxidase. PMNLs of atherosclerotic patients have a greater ability to increase elastase and myeloperoxidase release after their stimulation with formyl-methionin-leucyl-phenylalanin (fMLP) and calcium ionophore, A23187, independently of their age, than PMNLs of healthy middle-aged subjects. Similarly to healthy elderly subjects there was an increased superoxide anion (O2-) production under basal condition in both atherosclerotic patient age-groups. The activation of PMNLs with fMLP and A23187 enhanced O2- formation both in healthy subjects and in patients with atherosclerotic disease of the lower legs, however the increase was significantly less in the latter group. No biochemical parameters showed significant correlation with patient's risk factors, however myeloperoxidase production was significantly higher in less severe stage of the disease (P < 0.05). We found that patients with atherosclerotic disease of the lower legs have higher plasma xanthine oxidase level than control subjects. This study indicates an other piece of evidence suggesting the activation and involvement of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis of the lower legs. The similar tendencies in the reactivity of neutrophils during aging and in atherosclerosis suggest that atherosclerosis may be an early aging process.

The role of selectins and CD18 in leukotriene B4-mediated white blood cell emigration in human skin grafts transplanted on SCID mice

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of selectins and CD18 cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in inflammation induced by injection of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) into human skin. To accomplish this, the expression of CAMs and the ability of specific antibodies against CAMs to block white blood cell (WBC) transmigration were studied in an in vivo model consisting of human skin transplanted onto mice with the severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mutation. The results indicate that LTB4-induced WBC transmigration in the human/SCID model is rapid and pronounced; however, it is not accompanied by a significant upregulation of the baseline expression of endothelial P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. An anti-murine CD18 mAb markedly inhibited white cell infiltration (89% inhibition) confirming the importance of beta 2 integrins in the process. The role of selectins was also examined. MEL-14, a bioactive antibody against murine L-selectin inhibited transmigration by 66%. A significant, but smaller, effect (39% inhibition) was observed by blocking E-selectin function. These results indicate that LTB4-induced inflammation does not require upregulation of endothelial CAM expression and, in contrast to TNF alpha-induced transmigration, is only partially blocked by anti-E-selectin antibodies.

5(S),15(S)-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and lipoxin generation in human polymorphonuclear cells: dual specificity of 5-lipoxygenase towards endogenous and exogenous precursors

5-Lipoxygenase activation of human blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) from asthmatic patients (asthmatics) was studied to investigate whether differences may exist with healthy subjects (controls). The respective cell capacities to produce lipoxins (LXs), leukotrienes, and 5(S), 15(S)-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [5(S),15(S)-diHETE] were compared under in vitro stimulation by ionophore A23187, with or without exogenous 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-diHETE]. Eicosanoids were analyzed by elution with an isocratic reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography system, and their profiles, detected by simultaneous monitoring at 302, 280, and 246 nm, were evaluated on the basis of chromatographic behavior: UV spectral characteristics and coelution with synthetic standards. In the presence of exogenous 15(S)-HETE, human PMN were able to produce LXs and 5(S),15(S)-diHETE, PMN from asthmatics were able to produce 5(S), 5(S),15(S)-diHETE, and LXs from endogenous sources, whereas in the same experimental conditions, no detectable amounts of these compounds were released by PMN from controls. The levels of 5(S),15(S)-diHETE, and LXs biosynthesized from endogenous arachidonic acid were highly correlated. Two different LX patterns were observed involving two possible metabolic pathways: (a) via the intermediate 5,6-epoxytetraene alone for LXs generation from exogenous 15(S)-HETE; and (b) via 5,6- and/or 14,15-epoxytetraenes leading to the formation of an enzyme-bound delocalized carbocation for LXs generation from endogenous arachidonate, respectively. The enhanced 5-lipoxygenase activation of blood PMN from asthmatics and the metabolism of exogenous 15(S)-HETE may reflect a priming induced by various mediators released from environmental cells, and could be considered as a model of transcellular signalization between PMN and endothelial cells.

Effects of leukotriene C4 and D4, histamine and bradykinin on cytosolic calcium concentrations and adhesiveness of endothelial cells and neutrophils

We compared the effects of leukotrienes B4, C4 and D4 (LTB4, C4 and D4) in vitro, as well as of histamine and bradykinin, on adhesive interactions between cultured umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and on cytosolic calcium transients, [Ca(2+)](i), in vitro. LTB4, but not LTC4 or LTD4 (at 1-100 nM), increased HUVEC adhesiveness for PMN, maximally 2.8 fold; in addition, PMN adhesion was augmented by LTB4 (but not by LTC4 and LTD4) to a plastic surface. Rapid, but smaller increments of HUVEC (but not of PMN) adhesiveness were induced by histamine and bradykinin (at 10 microM). Nonetheless, LTC4 and LTD4 (at 100 nm) induced rapid rises of [Ca(2+)](i) in HUVEC, whereas approximately 100-fold higher concentrations were needed of histamine and bradykinin for similar rises. In PMN LTD4 (and LTB4) induced rapid increases of [Ca(2+)](i), whereas no significant effect was seen with LTC4, histamine or bradykinin. The [Ca(2+)](i) responses to LTC4 and LTD4 were inhibited by the peptidoleukotriene receptor blocker SKF 104,353. Thus, LTB4 and the peptidoleukotrienes display disparate profiles as inducers of adhesion and calcium transients in PMN and HUVEC, indicating discrete differences in the stimulus response coupling for these closely related leukotrienes.

New insights into circulating cell-endothelium interactions and their significance for glomerular pathophysiology

Neutrophil and monocyte infiltration of kidney glomeruli is a striking pathologic finding in the early stages of most forms of glomerulonephritis and appears to be an important determinant of glomerular injury. Recent research has permitted to clarify the mechanisms of leukocyte trafficking to inflamed glomeruli, which appear to involve several coordinated steps: chemotaxis along a concentration gradient of chemoattractants, adhesion to endothelial cells, diapedesis between endothelial cells, and interaction with resident renal cells. In glomerulonephritis, the deposition of immune complexes within glomerular capillaries triggers the local synthesis of chemotactic factors, including complement fragments, platelet-activating factor, leukotrienes, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, which promote attraction of neutrophils and monocytes within the glomerular tuft. Adhesion to resident glomerular cells, a critical step in the process of leukocyte infiltration, is a dynamic process that results from opposite factors: (1) shear forces generated by the movement of blood within the glomerular microcirculation that tend to detach inflammatory cells from the vascular wall and (2) adhesion glycoproteins expressed on the surface of leukocytes and endothelial cells, which are upregulated in human and experimental glomerulonephritis. It has been proposed that P-selectin, which is rapidly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells exposed to various stimuli, is a principal mediator of initial low-affinity binding of leukocytes (rolling). The tethering component mediated by P-selectin facilitates interaction of leukocytes with platelet-activating factor, a biologically active phospholipid that is rapidly synthesized by activated endothelial cells and is coexpressed with P-selectin on the endothelial cell plasma membrane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enhancement of leukotriene A4 biosynthesis in neutrophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis after a single glucocorticoid dose

Human blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) from seven patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were compared for their capacities to produce leukotrienes ex vivo before (D0) and 24 hr (D1) after glucocorticoid pulse therapy. The present study shows for the first time that endogenous arachidonic acid metabolism via 5-lipoxygenase pathway is significantly increased after glucocorticoid administration, leading to increased generation of the unstable precursor leukotriene A4 (LTA4) followed by predominant non-enzymatic LTA4 opening and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) omega-hydroxylation pathway. These results are unexpected since usually glucocorticoids are usually thought to decrease inflammatory mediator biosynthesis and, moreover, they work to the detriment of the clinical improvement of the patient. The results are discussed in terms of product inactivation and cellular cooperation with monocytes and endothelial cells.

Lipoxin A4 induces neutrophil-dependent cytotoxicity for human endothelial cells

The authors have assessed the capacity of neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) to kill cultured human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro (as release of 51Cr) in response to the recently described double dioxygenation product of arachidonic acid, lipoxin A4 (LXA4). LXA4 conferred a marked cytotoxicity, whereas formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) was less potent. The LXA4 and fMLP effects were dose dependent, with a maximum at 100 nM (which caused 2.7- and 2.3-fold increases of 51Cr release, respectively, relative to buffer-treated controls). The LXA4 and fMLP responses increased with the PMN concentration, depended on the fetal calf serum concentration, incubation temperature and duration and the presence of calcium and magnesium ions.

Contrasting effects of two arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors on formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and complement fragment 5a induced human neutrophil superoxide generation

SC-45662 and SC-41661A, selective arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, had markedly different effects on formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and complement fragment 5a (C5a) induced superoxide release from human neutrophils (PMNs). SC-45662 inhibited superoxide generation induced by fMLP and C5a with IC50 values of 12 and 5 microM, respectively. Furthermore, SC-45662 was capable of inhibiting fMLP and C5a induced superoxide release in PMNs primed with bacterial lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and other priming agents. SC-41661A, a compound from the same chemical series as SC-45662, did not inhibit or induce superoxide generation, but instead primed PMNs for fMLP and C5a induced superoxide generation. The induced superoxide release was concentration dependently enhanced 2 to 4-fold at 5-50 microM. Superoxide release induced by phorbol myristate acetate or serum-activated zymosan was unaffected by either SC-45662 or SC-41661A. The regulation of superoxide generation by these compounds, both of which have the identical oxidation-reduction pharmacophore, was clearly independent of their effects on 5-LO activity. Furthermore, the mechanism by which SC-45662 and SC-41661A alter superoxide generation did not appear to depend on inhibition of xanthine oxidase, catalase or superoxide dismutase. These new compounds provide effective tools for further investigation of the relationship of these two biochemical oxidative systems.

Leukocyte/endothelial interactions and blood-brain barrier permeability in rats during cerebral superfusion with LTB4

The experimental study analyses the vasomotor response (change of diameter of pial arterioles and venules), and blood-brain barrier function of the pia-arachnoidea at the rat brain surface before, during and after cerebral superfusion with 1.5 or 15.0 nM LTB4 in mock CSF. Leukocyte dynamics were studied by assessment of their centerline velocity, of rolling along ("roller") and attachment to ("sticker") the venular wall of white blood cells intravitally stained by Rhodamin 6G. Superfusion of the brain with LTB4 at both dose levels led to dilation of arterioles to 130% (p < 0.001), while of venules to 117% (p < 0.001) of control. The centerline velocity of leukocytes increased from 0.7 to 0.9 mm/s, however, only after superfusion with LTB4 at the high dose level. LTB4 induced a dose-dependent rolling (p < 0.01) and sticking of leukocytes (p < 0.001). Yet, a delay of about 60 min between cerebral administration of LTB4 and the maximal response of leukocyte rolling and sticking was observed. Whereas the blood-brain barrier was not opened by cerebral superfusion with 1.5 or 15.0 nM LTB4, for i.v. Na(+)-fluorescein, barrier leakage was promptly induced by 30.0 nM. The present findings demonstrate that cerebral administration of LTB4 by superfusion of the exposed brain surface is eliciting a pronounced vasomotor response, whereas the induction of leukocyte/endothelial interactions is less impressive.

Leukotriene B4-induced hyperadhesiveness of endothelial cells for neutrophils: relation to CD54

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) induced an in vitro transient state of hyperadhesiveness in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), leading to a 2.2-fold increase in the binding of neutrophil granulocytes (PMN), which was less than that conferred by platelet activating factor (PAF) though more than thrombin did (3.4- or 2.0-fold increases, respectively). This study concerns the role of the adhesive molecules CD18 and CD54 for the LTB4- (as well as thrombin- and PAF-) induced endothelial hyperadhesiveness. The MoAbs 60.3 (to the CD18 molecule on PMN) and 84H10 (to one epitope of CD54 on the HUVEC) blocked the adherence of PMN to LTB4-treated HUVEC, whereas MoAb LB-2 (directed at another CD54 epitope) failed to do so. MoAb 84H10 blocked 43% of the thrombin-induced hyperadhesiveness, whereas the PAF response was unaffected. Thus, LTB4-induced HUVEC hyperadhesiveness may therefore be related to a specific domain on the CD54 (or on an antigenically related molecule) as well as being dependent on CD18, whereas the involvement of CD54 was much less or non-existent for the thrombin and PAF responses, respectively.

Role of reactive oxygen species in intestinal diseases

It is well known that reactive oxygen metabolites are generated during several pathologies, and that they are able to disturb many cellular processes and eventually lead to cellular injury. After intestinal ischemia, reactive oxygen species are produced when the ischemic tissue is reperfused. The enzyme xanthine oxidase is thought to play a key role in this process. As a result of this oxygen radical production, the permeability of the endothelium and the mucosa increases, allowing infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes into the ischemic area. Moreover, reactive oxygen species are also indirectly involved in leukocyte activation. In turn, these inflammatory cells respond with the production of oxygen radicals, which play an important role in the development of tissue injury. Thus, intestinal ischemia and reperfusion evokes an inflammatory response. Also during chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, reactive oxygen metabolites are proposed to play an important role in the pathology. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species will thus be beneficial in these disorders.